Description

Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is one of the oldest and most highly regarded opera companies in the United States. Known for its longstanding partnership with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, a roster of world-class singers, and its spectacular performance venue, Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera has received numerous accolades and awards, including a recent nomination for the prestigious International Opera Award. Cincinnati Opera offers a primary season of performances from June through August (paid attendance 17,000-20,000), plus a host of events through the year, including educational programming, small-scale public performances, recitals, and fundraisers.    

Cincinnati Opera is seeking a Director of Production who will advance the company’s commitment to artistic excellence, uphold safety standards, and maintain careful stewardship of production resources in support of the company’s long-term financial health. The Director of Production will be a key member of the senior leadership team and will direct all production activities associated with the company’s summer festival, a large-scale annual gala, and various other events throughout the year.   

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Production Planning & Artistic Collaboration

• Participate in the season-planning process, advising on production feasibility, scheduling, and budgetary implications
• Working with the Artistic Director, engage, coordinate, and supervise teams of designers responsible for scenic, lighting, costumes, wigs & makeup, and projection/video
• Investigate and acquire physical productions, managing all logistical, financial, and legal elements of incoming and outgoing production transfers
• Develop and manage rehearsal and performance schedules in coordination with stage management, artistic, and technical teams
• Engage and supervise a team of stage management professionals across all rehearsal and performance activity
  Serve as a senior organizational resource on production, technical, and safety matters for all departments

Technical Operations

• Oversee all technical, design, and logistical elements of opera production from initial planning through final performance
• Engage and supervise lead positions across all stage unions, including Technical Director, Head Carpenter, Production Electrician, Construction Carpenter, Flyman, Head of Properties, Head Costumer, and Head Sound Technician, among others
• Lead a year-round department that includes the Stage Operations Director, Lighting Director, Costume Director, and Production Finance Coordinator, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth
• Coordinate and manage venue rental and usage, including scheduling, technical requirements, and production logistics 
• Oversee the rental and loan of the company’s sets, costumes, props, and equipment to outside organizations, including negotiating agreements and enforcing condition, insurance, and return standards that protect company assets.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop production budgets that support the planned season and align with the company’s overall financial goals
• Monitor expenditures across all production areas throughout the production cycle, identifying variances early and adjusting as needed
• Provide regular financial reporting to senior leadership

Safety & Regulatory Compliance    

• Serve as the organization’s primary resource on stage safety, technical standards, and regulatory compliance across all production operations
• Remain current on industry standards, OSHA regulations, and emerging guidelines related to stage operations, rigging, machinery, and theatrical production environments
• Develop and implement safety protocols and training programs for all production staff and contracted personnel
• Ensure all production activities, facilities, and equipment meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements

Facilities & Warehouse Management    

• Manage all production facilities including the paint shop, scenic shop, and costume shop, ensuring each operates efficiently and is maintained to a high standard
• Oversee the company’s warehouse and shop operations, including the scenic, paint, and costume shops, maintaining clear storage protocols and ensuring all production assets are well-organized, properly maintained, and accounted for
• Manage company vehicles and all production-related transportation assets, including maintenance schedules, insurance compliance, and usage policies
• In consultation with senior leadership, plan and prioritize capital improvements and ongoing maintenance across production facilities and equipment

Labor Relations & Human Resources    

• Negotiate and maintain collective bargaining agreements, with particular focus on IATSE and AGMA
• Serve as the organization’s primary management representative in ongoing labor relations with all production union groups
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and professionally accountable working environment across all production departments and union groups

Special Projects    

• Serve as an internal production consultant across departments, supporting Development and others in planning large-scale events by advising on venue logistics, production design, labor, and budget, bringing the same operational rigor applied to mainstage productions.
• Manage special projects as assigned by the General Director
• Regularly update the General Director and senior leadership on departmental status, priorities, and emerging operational needs
• Other duties as assigned

LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE  

• Establish and maintain a work culture that prioritizes health and safety standards.
• Cultivate a high level of familiarity with the latest in theater technology and the art form of opera. 
• Embrace the role of being a mentor and teacher, sharing learnings, experience, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all components of production.
• Serve as a key resource on available productions and potential partnerships. 
• Promote an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate work environment that advances the company’s vision
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with staff, board members, industry colleagues, and producing partners, such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Arts Association.   

The Director of Production position reports to the General Director & CEO.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Demonstrated supervisory experience planning, budgeting, building, rehearsing, and running large-scale theatrical productions is required. Familiarity with opera repertoire and experience producing opera are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and communicates effectively in written, verbal, and listening contexts. This position requires evening and weekend availability during the company’s mainstage season in June and July, in support of rehearsals, performances, and special events.